Henry David Thoreau is a renowned American author and philosopher who, alongside his friends and influences Ralph Waldo Emerson and Walt Whitman, are credited with shaping the philosophical movement known as Transcendentalism. His famous works Walden and Civil Disobedience are testament to his sharp and distinctive views on government, society and nature, which were ahead of their time. In this essay, I will explore why Henry David Thoreau is hailed as such an influential figure in the literary world and why his works still resonate with us today.
Henry David Thoreau was born in Concord, Massachusetts in 1817 and was a highly intelligent and mechanically adept individual. He was accepted to Harvard University in 1833 and graduated with honors in 1837. During his studies, Thoreau was exposed to Transcendentalism - a movement which proposes rejecting materialism and embracing the “higher truths” of nature, humanity and God. Emerson, one of the prominent leaders of this movement, soon became a friend and mentor to Thoreau. This played a huge part in cultivating his philosophical and literary career.
Throughout his lifetime, Thoreau wrote numerous works, plays and poems. These works depict his strong sense of rebellion against slavery and government, as well his deep admiration for nature and the environment. He is most praised for his writing Walden in 1854, which is considered to be one of the great works of literary and philosophical achievement. The book details his two-year experiment living in the woods of Massachusetts, where he retreated to live alone, away from society. Here, he indulged in detailed reflection, wilderness exploration and philosophical musings. His experiences in the wild and his thoughts on the irony of modern life are rich and profound, which is why this work remains relevant and highly acclaimed today.
Perhaps the most well-known work of Henry David Thoreau is his essay, “Civil Disobedience”, written in 1849. Thoreau had been previously jailed for not paying taxes which would contribute to the war effort. This experience enraged him, as his political views and moral convictions were at odds with the government’s actions. His written response to this became “Civil Disobedience”, which is a manifesto for reform and social justice, advocating for passive resistance in the face of oppressive governments. In it, he argued that the individual should not cooperate with the current state of society and its injustice but instead, strive for reform. This work continues to be studied, quoted and highly praised around the world.
Henry David Thoreau is celebrated today as an iconic figure in literature and philosophy, alongside the likes of Emerson and Whitman. His groundbreaking ideologies and works carved the way for new philosophies and movements, while his daring and independent spirit still resonates with us today. The gift of his writing is that it can be read and analyzed, even after centuries, thanks to its beauty and power that continues to captivate and provoke, providing readers with thought-provoking and timeless lessons.
